Marcin Gortat

An 80-game starter for the Wizards last season, the 30-year-old Gortat cashed in big, inking a five-year, $60 million contract in July. The deal was well-earned, as Gortat shined during his first year with the team, averaging 13.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steal...

Gortat had just missed a double-double Wednesday, putting up 14 points (4-5 FG, 6-6 FT) and nine rebounds in 29 minutes before fouling out. He also had two assists and a block as the Wizards fell to the Hawks.

Gortat led the Wizards in both scoring, with 24 points (12-20 FG), and rebounds with 13 in the victory Saturday against the Pelicans. He also had a season-high four blocks, and chipped in with two steals in 41 minutes.

Following a midseason trade to Phoenix during the 2010-11 season, Gortat quickly became one of the more reliable options at the center position. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to carry over that breakout success from the previous two seasons into the 2012-13 campaign. With Steve Nash no longer in the desert to run the pick-and-roll, Gortat saw his production drop last year, finishing with averages of 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. While still steady, those numbers were a significant drop from the 15.4 points and 10.0 rebounds he averaged in his lone full season with Nash. Aside from Nash being gone, Gortat was also hampered by a foot injury that forced him to miss the final 21 games of the regular season. His injured foot appears to have recovered fully, as Gortat was able to participate with Poland and post productive lines during international play this summer. With an expiring contract and first-round pick Alex Len waiting in the wings, Gortat could eventually find himself on the trading block, but he's expected to begin the season with the rebuilding Suns and likely open the year as the team's starting center.

2012-13

The former backup to Dwight Howard cemented himself as a quality fantasy option at center in his first full season with the Suns. Gortat racked up career-highs across the boards, finishing with averages of 15.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while playing 32 minutes per game. The 28-year-old center also proved to be durable, appearing in all 66 games for Phoenix. He was great at running the pick-and-roll with Steve Nash, showing the ability to cut to the rim for an easy finish or popping out for a 10-foot jumper. Of course, the Suns lost Nash to the Lakers this offseason, so Gortat won’t have a premier playmaker setting him up this season. He should still prove to be productive for the rebuilding Suns, though, as the team will likely go to Gortat in the low post early and often. Plus, with Jermaine O’Neal as the only other center currently on the Suns’ roster, Gortat could see a boost in playing time. There will be plenty of other attractive names at the center position on draft day, but don’t forget about Gortat in the early-to-middle rounds if you’re targeting a dependable pivot who will provide double-double production on a nightly basis.

2011-12

After wasting away as Dwight Howard’s backup in Orlando for the first three and a half years of his career, Gortat was finally freed by a midseason trade to Phoenix last year. With Steve Nash feeding him bunnies, Gortat went on to average 13.0 points and 9.3 rebounds in 55 games with the Suns, despite often seeing limited minutes off the bench. Once Suns coaching staff wised up and started giving Gortat significant playing time, he erupted to the tune of 15.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks with solid percentages (56.3 FG, 70.9 FT) in 28 games after the All-Star break. While Gortat was never used as much of an offensive weapon for the Magic, he consistently exhibited quality low-post moves and also proved to be a threat on the pick-and-roll with the Suns. Now that Gortat has solidified himself in the Suns’ rotation, expect the Robin Lopez experiment to be a thing of the past. He might not be as big of a name as other center options out there, but Gortat is well worth a mid-round investment.

2010-11

Before last season the Magic signed Gortat to a five-year, $34 million deal. That's a lot of money to pay someone who, ultimately, ended up playing a bit more than 13 minutes per game in the first year of said deal. His per-minute numbers suggests Gortat could put up around 10 rebounds and 2.0 blocks given starter's minutes. That won't happen unless he's traded, though-or starter Dwight Howard is seriously injured.

2009-10

Gortat signed with Dallas as a restricted free agent this summer, only to see the Magic match his rather large deal from the Mavericks. Back with the Magic, Gortat will be the team's backup center to Dwight Howard. The team obviously views him as a key part of the team with its willingness to match the Mavericks' 5-year, $34 million offer sheet, but he will continue to come off the bench for the foreseeable future. In that role, Gortat's fantasy value will be limited.

2008-09

Gortat saw action in nearly every playoff game last year, a sign that he could be in line for more time on the floor this season. The other backup centers are better defensively and have more experience, but Gortat could see more playing time if his athleticism wins out.

2007-08

Gortat will provide the Magic with a big body off the bench, but he'll have a difficult time finding minutes in his rookie season.

2005-06

Gortat is largely an unknown European commodity in his first NBA year. What has been noticeable from his summer play is a decent offensive touch, but a serious lack of bulk. He should not be on your fantasy squad.